NBA All-Star game: LeBron James remains tight-lipped on NBA future after 22nd All-Star game appearance
LeBron James has once again refused to rule out that this will be his last NBA season; The Lakers legend boasts the longest career in NBA history after 23 seasons in the league; He made his record-extending 22nd All-Star game appearance on Sunday
Monday 16 February 2026 14:25, UK
NBA legend LeBron James reignited speculation over his retirement when he refused to rule out whether his 23rd NBA season would be his last.
"When I know, you guys will know," James told reporters Sunday after arriving at Intuit Dome in Los Angeles for the All-Star game.
"I don't know. I have no idea. I just want to live. That's all."
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Much of the talk going into the weekend had been over James' future, after the 41-year old played in a record-breaking 22nd All-Star game.
He has already missed 18 games due to various health concerns, including sciatica that sidelined him for the Lakers' first 14 games.
Yet he still headed into this break by becoming the oldest player in NBA history to record a triple-double against the Dallas Mavericks last week.
The Lakers small forward recently appeared to be emotional during a pre-game tribute video in what could have been his last game in his hometown Cleveland - where he spent 11 years of his illustrious NBA career.
"I'm just trying to take everything in, not take the moments for granted," LeBron said of Cleveland's tribute.
"It could be [my last season]. I obviously haven't made a decision on the future, but it very well could be."
He holds the record for most All-Star game inclusions, surpassing Hall-of-Famer Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's record of 19, but was originally selected as a reserve for this year's contest before the new format was announced.
James already boasts the longest NBA career in history, but his most recent comments will only add fuel on the fire as his uncertain future takes the spotlight as the end of the regular season approaches.
